Southern Cross Medical Library

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12, also called Cobalamin, is necessary for the production of red blood cells and plays an important role in maintaining the health of nerve cells and in the formation of genetic material. It is a water-soluble vitamin and is derived almost entirely from certain foods: meat, fish, milk products and eggs. Vegetables alone are an inadequate source of vitamin B12.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 affects both men and women in equal numbers, initially causing symptoms like dizziness and fatigue. Untreated deficiency can result in anaemia and damage to the nervous system. Intramuscular vitamin B12 injections form the basis of most treatment plans.

Causes

Vitamin B12 deficiency is most commonly caused by a lack of intrinsic factor, a substance produced in the stomach that is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. When intrinsic factor is lacking, vitamin B12 is unable to be absorbed and is therefore unable to be utilised by the body. Pernicious anaemia is one such condition where the production of intrinsic factor is impaired. It is a leading cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Inadequate absorption or utilisation of B12 because of gastric abnormalities such as coeliac disease, inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), or pancreatic insufficiency. Inadequate absorption can also occur after stomach and intestinal surgery as well as in inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohns disease.

An increase in certain intestinal organisms.

Drugs that may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.

Heavy alcohol consumption.

Rare congenital disorders.

Research studies have indicated that genetic factors may influence the development of vitamin B12 deficiency in some people.

Symptoms

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency usually don’t appear for at least two years. The reason for this is that a large amount of vitamin B12 is usually stored by the liver. Most people, apart from vegans, have a three to five year supply in their bodies.

Initial symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include:

Dizziness.

Paleness.

Shortness of breath.

Fatigue.

Anaemia.

Hearing difficulties

If left untreated Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause progressive damage to the nervous system, especially the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. When the spinal cord is involved, the first symptoms include difficulty in feeling vibrations in the feet, loss of position sense, and loss of muscle co-ordination (ataxia).

Other symptoms of untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may include:

Weight loss.

An enlarged spleen and liver (hepatosplenomegaly).

Exaggerated reflexes.

Mild depression and confusion.

Hallucinations, personality and mood changes.

Irritability.

Damage to the optic nerve.

Treatment (injections)

Once vitamin B12 deficiency has been diagnosed, the cause of the deficiency must be found. A test that measures the absorption of vitamin B12 (the Schilling test) is used to help detect the underlying cause.

In most cases of vitamin B12 deficiency, intramuscular injections of vitamin B12 are given. To begin with, regular injections of 1000 micrograms are usually given every week for 4-6 weeks. This frequency allows the body’s physiology to start producing red cells normally. It also allows the reserves that the liver normally holds to increase.

The injections do not solve the underlying cause of the deficiency and, depending on the underlying cause, it may be necessary to continue having B12 injections for life. It is usually recommended that a maintenance dose of 1000 microgrames is given every three months.

It is recommended that vegans take vitamin B12 supplements or vitamin B12 enriched nutritional yeast. Oral iron supplements can be prescribed if an iron deficiency is also present.

Side Effects of Vitamin B12 supplementation

Adverse effects resulting from vitamin B12 supplementation are rare. Hypersensitivity (anaphylaxis) is exceptionally rare and may include swelling, itching, and shock. Very high doses of may sometimes cause acne. Other uncommon side effects include skin rash, hot flushes, nausea, dizziness and cardiac arrhythmias.

Interactions

It is important to note that vitamin B12 supplements can be destroyed if taken within an hour of large amounts of vitamin C. Absorption can also be impaired by deficiencies in folic acid, iron or vitamin E. Use of nicotine or excessive alcohol can also deplete B12.

Improved absorption of vitamin B12 occurs when it is taken with other B vitamins or calcium. Some medications may also cause an increased use or decreased absorption of vitamin B12 (eg corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, colchicine, proton pump inhibitors).